Dr. Anthony Lombardi
Science & Tech • Fitness & Health
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Keep it simple especially when talking with patients

"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough."
-Albert Einstein

I think it's just human nature to have to complicate things. But when you're in the clinic, that is no time to be an academic or philosopher.

I've always harped on clinical results. Working in the clinic is working in the trenches so to speak. This is where the rubber meets the road. Any flowery ideas of acupuncture or Chinese medicine, all the lovely beautiful concepts and theories, they mean nothing. Results are the only thing that matters - and the treatments behind them. While many think this disparages the "art", what it actually is, is putting the patient first. I will never apologize for putting the patient above ideology that doesn't deliver results, and only serves to comfort one's ego.

I've seen so many peeps brag about what they can do. What they know, how they can "control qi", or the degrees they have. Something is always missing in this bragging though - the patient.

Learning is fun, philosophy is extremely interesting, exploring new idea is important. But in the clinic it's all about keeping it simple.

Likewise, how are you explaining things to your patients? Are you lecturing on the differences between acupuncture and dry needling? Are you over explaining how your treatments are helping them? Have you noticed they glaze over after about 30 seconds?

It's best to keep working on your scripts and saying things very direct. Give the patients what they need - results. We excel in the clinic, delivering the tools we've learned. If we're talking, we're not working (unless you can do both at the same time).

And please, keep it simple!

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What else you may like…
Videos
Posts
50 patient day

A word for Dr. L after seeing 50 patients.

00:01:00
Cool Feature on the Locals Phone app

Thank you to @susan_beck for showing me this
Neat little feature on the Locals Phone app.

Bookmarks Help you save post and videos that you want to go back to later.

00:00:58
February 14, 2026
Calling EXSTORE Grads

5 patients on needles as i make this video….

00:00:42
The ASE Directory is back up and working

The ASE Directory website is now fixed!

FOR THOSE WHO ATTENDED EXSTORE™ IN-PERSON: Make sure to add your free listing

How to create your listing:
Go to asedirectory.com and set up an account.
-Log in
-An option appears in the menu - Add Your Free Listing
-Click Add Your Free Listing and create your listing.
-It then sends me an email to review it. I make sure all the important parts are there, then I publish it and send you an email.
If you have any questions, please email me.

*I’ve spent hours on this website so for the love of god create your listing asap. Take advantage of this!

Again, you must have taken EXSTORE™ in-person to be eligible for a listing.

https://asedirectory.com

I know we go through scripting in EXSTORE. I wanted to see if anything could be modified with this image and evaluate my script. This is my Day 1.

Initial Strength, Mobility, or Pain Acupuncture Consultation Framework

Step 1: Build Rapport

Patient Walks Into the Clinic

Hello, are you (Patient's Name)?

My name is (Acupuncturist's Name). It's nice to meet you.

(Learn their name before they arrive so you can greet them confidently without looking at a chart.)

Before the Visit

  • Initial paperwork should be completed online whenever possible.

  • Have consent forms printed and ready.

  • For pain patients, provide a body diagram to mark today's areas of concern. This creates a visual baseline that can be compared during future re-evaluations.

"There are just a few consent forms to complete before we begin. Please mark the areas you're experiencing on this body diagram, and we'll go over everything together once we're in the treatment room."

Getting Comfortable

How did you hear about our clinic?

(Helps track which marketing efforts are working.)

Is this your first acupuncture treatment?

Yes

"Great. I'll explain everything as we go, and if you have any questions along the ...

post photo preview

Does anyone have experience treating spasmodic dystonia of the vocal cords? I just saw this patient for the first time. She's a singer and speaker. Gradual onset after COVID or after the COVID shot. She's not sure. I treated the tight muscles of the SCM as well as points for the vagus nerve. Then in prone did a perfusion treatment of her neck from UB 10 to T-1. I suggested her seeing a neurologist to rule out Parkinsons. She's also on a statin for high calcium (not for high cholesterol) She's 67 and has a healthy lifestyle. Thanks in advance!

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